Party candidate Rodney Smith should still be held -- despite denials by the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions that influence was brought to bear.

Shadow Legislative Affairs Minister John Barritt said: "I've read what the Acting DPP has to say.

"But we in the Opposition remain concerned. I'm not proposing to get into a public argument with Mr. Pearce. But there are still some unanswered questions here -- not the least of which was the comment from the bench in this case that someone, somewhere in the process interfered. There are other things which need to be addressed and can only be addressed by an inquiry.'' Mr. Barritt -- himself a lawyer -- demanded to know: Who asked for a deal involving a guilty plea with the Crown agreeing not to contest a binding over order, which means no recorded conviction; Who brought the file to the Acting Director of Prosecutions; and If there had been any prior discussions with Mr. Smith, who was involved in the discussions? Mr. Smith, who was prosecuted for an assault on a woman ex-tenant, last night declined to say who he had discussed the case with in the prosecution service.

He said: "I don't think that, at this point, is important -- but I do wish to say there are honourable people in this country and folks that are prepared to see justice done. A number of these people work in the Attorney General's Chambers.'' Earlier, he said that he did not condone abuse of women -- and added that the Magistrate had conceded the assault was technical and "trivial'' -- and he would not have said that if it had not been.

Mr. Barritt also slammed claims by politically-appointed Attorney General Lois Browne Evans that someone was "trying to create mischief''.

Trainee lawyer denies seeking advice on case Witness: Lois Brown Evans Inquiry: John Barritt